When can I start going to the gym?

[MissingMyHeels]

I am 6 weeks post c-section and feeling great. Desperate to start back at the gym and get back in shape as I am completely revolted by my body at the moment.

GP said ok to exercise just take it easy but this is a bit vague, does anyone know what I should avoid? Or even, what are good "take it easy" exercises for post section tums (and the rest!)?

[dizzydixies]

am 24 months post section and STILL don't feel great!

surely if you have a decent enough gym they would have sound advice on it

have your considered something like yoga/pilates/swimming as opposed to aerobic excercise

[MissingMyHeels]

It's Virgin Active so I am hoping that they will know what they are doing - but they don't always (was given some interesting advice whilst pregnant regarding my work out).

Will prob do pilates and swimming too. I feel great dizzy but don't look it... am contemplating removing all mirrors from the house!

[EffiePerine]

Your joints will still be a bit loose, so avoid anything too strenuous or weight bearing. Swimming would be great

[MissingMyHeels]

Thanks Effie, think I will focus on swimming and leave the high impact stuff until 12 weeks. Don't wanna do too much and cause any damage.

[FrannyandZooey]

first of all make sure that your stomach muscles are not separated before you try anything like sit ups

I would think your gp meant it is ok to start working out again, but to go easy, not work to your full limits at all

are you breastfeeding?

[Haylstones]

I've started running after my cs- I started at 6 weeks and ds is now 9 weeks; so far it is going ok.
As for running with the vastly inflated chest due to breastfeeding ...well

[MissingMyHeels]

Oh that's good to know Haylstones. I am desperate to get back on the treadmill, I hate feeling so fat.

Franny - checked my stomach muscles with hosp phsyio and they're fine, no separation. I am mixed feeding.

[FrannyandZooey]

I think you need to also avoid being too strenuous when breastfeeding, but it would be best to get specialist advice for all this really...are there personal trainers at your gym? is there one who might have post natal experience?

[wontbepreggersagain]

gym!!

[EffiePerine]

You might find that your milk changes (gets more salty) after bfing and some babies object - if a problem you can leave off feeding for an hour afterwards IIRC.

[Notyummy]

I started back at the gym three weeks to the day after I had dd. I didn't have a cs, but had other challenges (involving my undercarriage!) due to a high forceps delivery. I used the cross trainer and walked up hill on the treadmill. I also googled some good tummy exercises (cam't remember where from, but try googling postnatal exercises). They were from a US site and had a series of exercises to do as you got stronger, and were designed for post cs as well as vaginal delivery.

I fully bf dd and started running agin at 2 months, working fairly hard (3 miles up to 8 miles) and she never objected. I guess each baby could be different, so you will just have to give it a try and see.

[EffiePerine]

after exercising

[MissingMyHeels]

That's interesting about the change in taste of milk, I'll make sure I keep an eye on it.

Went to the gym yesterday and booked myself a session with a personal trainer who has post natal experience - have a session with him on Wednesday to put together a programme for me, hurrah.

Thanks for your help all

[meglet]

I got back 12 weeks post c-section. Take it very very very easy until you can feel your body is really recovering, but enjoy it.